Property tax increases concern everyone

All voters and groups have a right to be concerned about levies, including fire levies. The levy is per $100,000 of home value (Bonner County average: $60,000).

Sagle’s tax would rise from $88 per $100,000 to $122 $100,000, Westside from $51 per $100,000 to $122 per $100,000, and Northside from $20 per $100,000 to $61 per $100,000. At fire district presentations and a March 18, 2025, talk with Chief Jeff Armstrong, we heard more personnel are needed for safety and growth, and volunteers aren’t viable. Yet, Priest River thrives with an all-volunteer staff. Chief Armstrong claimed fires burn differently now, but didn’t clarify why or justify higher taxes.

If funds are for personnel, why did Northside send resources to California in January and three districts send staff to Texas in March to “stand by?” Only about 20% of fire calls are warranted, per district staff. Chief Armstrong called these “the community’s levies,” but many locals lack his PERSI retirement from a prior California fire career atop his current salary. When asked for data, he admitted lacking full details.

Taxpayers deserve accurate, verifiable data for such levies.

ANITA AURIT

Sandpoint